WWE Crown Jewel 2025 will take place in Perth, Australia, marking a location change from its usual host, Saudi Arabia, only a week before the event. As anticipation builds, wrestlers and fans alike focus on Oba Femi, the record-breaking champion whose plans remain unclear despite the event’s proximity. The rising star’s trajectory within WWE has become a topic of discussion, especially with the possibility of a promotion to the main roster yet unconfirmed.
Oba Femi, who has been a dominant force in WWE’s developmental NXT brand, flourished under Shawn Michaels’ creative guidance. Last year, he set a new record by becoming the longest-reigning North American Champion in WWE history. Although he lost the North American title to Tony D’Angelo, Femi rebounded by winning the Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge, which led to his win of the NXT Championship.
Recent Setbacks and Questions Over Oba Femi’s NXT Position
In a recent shakeup, The Ruler – Oba Femi’s nickname – dropped the NXT Championship to Ricky Saints at the No Mercy event. This loss fueled speculation about whether Femi would exit NXT and join WWE’s main roster, which is currently managed creatively by Triple H. However, recent reports suggest that such a move is not imminent.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter (WON) revealed that despite expectations, WWE does not plan to promote Oba Femi to the main roster soon. Instead, he is expected to continue with the developmental NXT brand. This news is particularly disappointing for fans who had anticipated Femi could be Sami Zayn’s secret opponent at this year’s Crown Jewel event in Australia.
Oba Femi’s Absence from Key NXT Events Signals Shift
Oba Femi’s recent absence from television and major NXT events has been noticeable. After a hiatus last year following his loss of the North American Championship to Tony D’Angelo and a subsequent unsuccessful rematch, Femi returned with renewed focus, capturing the NXT Championship by defeating Trick Williams.
Lately, NXT’s storyline feud with TNA Wrestling has been a focal point, with The Ruler involved in a winner-take-all match against Trick Williams for the TNA World Championship. The encounter ended without a winner, and Femi later defended the NXT title against Ricky Saints at No Mercy, where he lost. Since then, Femi has not appeared on NXT shows as the feud between NXT and TNA continues, with superstars from both sides set to compete in an upcoming special titled Showdown.
Notably, Oba Femi was not selected to represent Team NXT for this major event, suggesting he will sit out this chapter of the rivalry, which may impact his momentum going forward.
Implications for Oba Femi Amid WWE’s Creative Landscape
Oba Femi’s situation reflects a tense and uncertain phase in his career. Despite his impressive record-breaking achievements and popularity among fans, WWE’s decision to retain him within NXT rather than transition him to the main roster under Triple H’s creative direction signals a complex dynamic. It raises questions about the company’s long-term plans for the young star, especially given Triple H’s known preferences and management style.
As WWE Crown Jewel 2025 approaches in Perth, observers are keen to watch how the event’s card unfolds without Oba Femi’s anticipated involvement. His continued role in NXT, coupled with his recent title losses and absence from major matches, may hint at a rebuilding phase or new storylines emerging for him in the near future.
Fans and industry insiders alike remain hopeful that Oba Femi will soon find a fresh opportunity to reclaim a top position, whether through championship pursuits or a possible main roster debut. Until then, the talented star’s path remains one to watch closely as WWE’s roster reshuffles and storylines evolve.
“According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (WON), Oba Femi is not slated to move to WWE’s main roster, as there are plans for him on the developmental brand going forward.”
– Wrestling Observer Newsletter
The NEW NXT Champion Ricky Saints takes center stage TONIGHT on #WWENXT!
📺 8ET/7CT on @TheCW pic.twitter.com/h1JZ6pR9Tu
— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) September 30, 2025
